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A woman is seated on a stage, microphone in hand, smiling at the camera. Two men sit beside her in the background.
Guest speakers Krissy Bates, Martyn Ford and Paul Trimboli.
A close-up photograph of a collection of glass awards on a table. The central award is engraved with the text “BOROONDARA 2024 BOROONDARA SPORTS AWARDS COLLABORATIVE CLUB OF THE YEAR Burwood Cricket Club.” All the awards are flame-shaped.
Aerial perspective of a large hall. A stage is at the far end, with a speaker addressing the assembly from the lectern. The hall is filled with round tables occupied by individuals. The hall has a purple glow.

Congratulations to the 2024 Boroondara Sports Awards finalists and award winners. 

This year’s awards were announced in August at a presentation evening hosted by respected commentator and former Australian cricketer, Damien Fleming. 

Damien was joined by guest speakers: 

  • Krissy Bates, former Hockeyroos player and senior women’s team captain at Camberwell Hockey Club
  • Martyn Ford, Australian Wheelchair badminton player and Wheelchair AFL player for Collingwood 
  • Paul Trimboli, former Australian international football (soccer) player and Executive Manager, High Performance and Pathways at Football Victoria.

We were delighted to honour some of our highest-achieving athletes and the players, coaches and volunteers who continue to go above and beyond for their clubs. 

This year’s awards are a wonderful celebration of the people and clubs that are leading the way in embracing innovation, collaboration and inclusion. 

Winners

Inclusive Club of the Year

  • Kew City Bowmen (winner)
  • Riversdale Soccer Club (finalist)
  • Kew Tennis Club (finalist)

In 2023, Kew City Bowmen started a low-cost weekly program and private lessons for NDIS participants that caters to people with ADHD, low vision and people using wheelchairs. They continue to encourage participants of all genders and backgrounds, including international students, to join the club. Kew City Bowmen has fostered a culture where attendees, whatever their ability, background or gender, feel welcome, safe and are able to participate to their full potential.

Innovative Club of the Year

  • Ashburton United Soccer Club (winner)
  • Willison Park Tennis Club (finalist)
  • Kew Football Club (finalist)

In 2024, the club’s referee program has had an intake of 10 new referees, including 6 female referees. Ashburton United Soccer Club are also leaders in the community in providing opportunities for young referees in training to gain experience in a safe environment. Green armbands that identify junior referees, and educating spectators, coaches and players has helped to support and encourage emerging referees in a safe environment that’s free from intimidation, threats and abuse.

Following this season’s training program, the club has trained 40 qualified referees, including 18 women, making sure that their community can continue to enjoy the game they love, with a diverse range of role models for younger players.

Collaborative Club of the Year

  • Burwood Cricket Club (winner)
  • Camberwell Junction Tennis Club (finalist)
  • Burwood Tennis Club (finalist)
A man in a blue sweater is pictured holding a glass award. Next to him is a woman in a pink dress, adorned with a green and gold chain and a medal around her neck. In the background, a green sign says "BOROONDARA."

John Edgar from Burwood Cricket Club, awarded Collaborative Club of the Year, with Mayor, Cr Lisa Hollingsworth

Burwood Cricket Club is incredibly inclusive and diverse, and is often approached by other community clubs seeking advice to attract more female players to their clubs at all levels of participation. Through a successful ‘Change Our Game’ community-strengthening grant, Burwood is helping to educate other clubs on how to better navigate this space. 

Community Athlete of the Year

  • Trinity Meachem - Camberwell Lacrosse club (winner)
  • Charlotte Hodgson - Camberwell Hockey Club (finalist)
  • Jensen Plowright - Hawthorn Cycling Club (finalist)

Aside from her exceptional skills and talent, what truly sets Trinity apart is her dedication to nurturing the next generation of athletes. At a state level, she was selected as an assistant coach for the U15 girls state lacrosse team. At a local level, she has taken on coaching roles at schools and for the U15, U14 and U13 girls’ teams at Camberwell Lacrosse where her expertise, guidance and mentorship have positively impacted young players' development. Trinity's passion for coaching and her ability to inspire young athletes make her a valuable asset to the Boroondara sporting community.

Club Person of the Year

  • Michael Bateman - Kew Tennis club (winner)
  • Stewart Evans - Basketball Hawthorn (finalist)
  • Meredith Carre - Camberwell Lacrosse Club (finalist)

Michael values diversity and creates an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and respected regardless of their background, beliefs or opinions. He has not only helped improve the junior development program but also created the All-Abilities Program and fostered a partnership with Andale School to try and instil a love of tennis and activity among the students. Michael’s passion fuels his dedication and he is deeply passionate about serving the tennis community. He has shown time and again his willingness to invest both his time and effort to make a positive impact.

Young Club Person of the Year

  • Beth Lyon - Camberwell Hockey Club (winner)
  • Cassidy Richards - Camberwell Lacrosse Club (finalist)
  • Tristan Krstevski - Hawthorn Rowing Club (finalist)
Four people standing smiling at the camera. Two of the people are holding plaques.

Beth Lyon (second from right), winner Young Club Person of the Year, with finalists Cassidy Richards and Tristan Krstevski and MC, Damien Fleming.

Beth’s caring nature is a wonderful asset in nurturing young girls and has personally assisted them with challenges both on and off the field. Beth’s nature endeared her to the girls and their parents. Beth’s involvement in the Mental Health First Aid group at the club as well as the Wellness and Inclusion committee sees her organising events such as Women’s and Girls’ Round, Pride Round, Indigenous Round and Men’s Health Round. Beth is a young leader at the Camberwell Hockey Club and has created a wonderful link between younger and older women at the club.

Lifetime Achievement Award 

A group of 26 people, mostly older adults, are standing in a line. They are all smiling and holding small plaques. The background has a screen with the words "2024 Boroondara Sports Awards."

Group photo of the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients.

  • Lesley Gemmell - Ashburton United Soccer Club
  • Jo Tregear - Balwyn Football Club
  • Rhonda Macintosh - Balwyn Tennis Club
  • Paul Hambleton - Burwood Tennis Club
  • Jennie Easson - Camberwell Lacrosse Club
  • Bruce Bourke - Camberwell Golf Club
  • Sally Wansbrough - Camberwell Hockey Club
  • Peter Warner OAM - Camberwell Magpies Cricket Club
  • Ernie Kollegger - City of Camberwell Tennis Club
  • Kay Morris - Greythorn Park Tennis Club
  • Rick Voce - Harp Golf Club
  • Michael Bingley - Hawthorn Boroondara Cricket Club
  • Steve Ford - Hawthorn Boroondara Cricket Club
  • Patrick Freeland-Small - Hawthorn Rowing Club
  • Dedrie Green - Hawthorn Tennis Club
  • Judy Joyce - Kew Croquet Club
  • Ian Speed - North Balwyn Bowls Club (Posthumously)
  • Emil Turudia - Riversdale Soccer Club
     

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